Urban Planning and Social Structure in the Indus Valley Civilization

Abstract The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban societies, showcased extraordinary advancements in urban planning, infrastructure, and social organization from 3300 to 1700 BCE. This study explores the civilization's systematic layout, water management techniques, and standardized construction methods, which reflect a highly organized and civic-minded society. Through the analysis of archaeological findings and scholarly interpretations, the research uncovers evidence of social stratification, economic networks, and governance models. The civilization’s achievements in trade, engineering, and sanitation significantly influenced subsequent cultures of the Indian subcontinent. Despite its decline, the legacy of the Indus Valley continues to inform contemporary urban development and social theories.